Posts by Lucinda Secrest McDowell

As we entered a new decade — 2020 — I decided to forego a long list of resolutions. I feared the list would be too long, and the enormity of what was required for achievement would render me immobile. There is nothing wrong with the desire for improvement, setting goals, forming new habits, and finally…

Throughout my life I’ve had many conversations with younger women. I treasure such experiences since I am constantly growing through contact with people from every age group. Recently, among the majestic California redwoods, one such encounter became the genesis of my newest book… “Lucinda? I’m Kelsey; may I join you for coffee?” I looked up…

I hope you are able to spend some time in reflection as this year comes to an end, and we look with anticipation and hope to a New Year. My word for 2019 was Serenity and God miraculously provided new adventures and challenges to build that character into my life. Yes, I learned far more…

People were confused, hurting, angry and impatient. They wanted relief. They wanted results. Perhaps what they really wanted was a savior. Someone to solve all the problems in the world and thus make their life easier. They had already tried just about everything, including following their own instincts, going after whatever would satisfy, even as…

Let’s face it. Great Uncle Horace is not going to change this year. He will still be obnoxious, drink too much, bring totally inappropriate gifts and end up snoring in the recliner during the family Christmas gathering. Yes, he’s a piece of work. But he’s your family’s piece of work! Ahhh…. extended families during the…

Remembering that day I ran away from home. I ran away from the endless noise of ringing phones and television; the constant responsibility of laundry, meals, and bills; the high piles of deskwork; and even the lovely interruptions from my sweet husband. In other words, I ran away from my life. My gift to myself…

Australian novelist Morris West suggests that at a certain age our lives simplify and we need have only three phrases left in our spiritual vocabulary: “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” English minister John Henry Jowett once observed, “Gratitude is a vac­cine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic.” What better cure for what ails society today—choosing…

Today is World Kindness Day. Who knew? Frankly, I believe every day should be World Kindness Day. Because we can choose each day—each moment really—to act kindly, to take the high road and not react with indignation, irritation, or impatience. Sadly, this choice to be kind is more often the exception than the rule these…

Because Encouragement is a Choice Lucinda Secrest McDowell As a child he was called Fat Freddy. The other kids bullied and viciously mocked him. He carried this pain inside, hidden to many who knew him. To combat the loneliness he often felt, Freddy used stuffed animals and puppets to create whole new worlds in his…

What She Surrendered… Lucinda Secrest McDowell Sitting on the floor of the attic after uncovering a little ceramic plaque, I realized anew how letting go must be one of the hardest choices a person ever has to make. The plaque displayed a Dutch prayer, the English translation carefully handwritten on the back by a young…